Pollen

Many people suffer from pollen allergies. Symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and itchy or watery eyes. Trees, grasses and weeds produce pollen as part of the natural process that leads to new seed production. Plants that disperse their pollen by wind typically have small, inconspicuous flowers, shaped to maximize the release of pollen into the air. It is this airborne pollen that causes allergy sufferers discomfort as it comes into contact with noses, throats, and eyes.

Pollen in Asheville

According to Regional Allergy Partners, which has since merged with Allergy Partners of WNC, the geography of our mountainous region makes ours a particularly allergy prone area. Not only are there more species of plants here at a higher density than most other areas, but we have varying elevations with which to contend. Willow and maple trees, for instance, will pollinate early in low, warm river valleys, and several weeks later at high elevations. Since pollen grains travel up to 50 miles in our breezes, we are challenged by them throughout this span of weeks. In other words, we have a double-long season for just about everything here! Allergy Partners of Western North Carolina volunteer to count pollen in Asheville. They are professionals of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and certified to count the pollen. Counts and other information can be found at: